Since they were selected for Season for Caring last year, the lives of Ana Rangel, her husband Domingo Martinez and their two children have seen a significant change.

Elizabeth Martinez Rangel, 4, front, Juan Felipe Martinez Rangel, 7, Ana Rangel, back left, and Domingo Martinez, back right, will be moving into their own mobile home next year, with the help of Season for Caring. (Christina Burke/for American-Statesman)

At this time last year, the family lived apart. Martinez, who had lost his job in Austin, was working in Miami to make ends meet. Rangel, who has glaucoma, had undergone numerous eye surgeries that prevented her from working and stayed in Texas with their children.
Today, the family is together again. This spring, Martinez secured an Austin job working as a facilities technician for a real estate company. Receiving one of the top items on their Season for Caring wish list has vastly improved their lives financially and personally. With a steady income, the family has been able to set up a payment plan to bring down their medical debt. And having Martinez closer has helped strengthen the family.
Rangel and Martinez, who live in a small apartment in North Austin, saved most of their Season for Caring donations to pay for the down payment of a mobile home. Pending the rental of a lot, the family expects to move into their new home in 2015.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Rangel says. “I’m so happy because I never thought it’d be possible for us to own something. We’re mostly excited for our children, who will finally be able to play outside and run around in a yard.”

Although Rangel’s glaucoma is still difficult to manage and she might be facing yet another eye surgery soon, Dr. Russell Hayhurst of the Glaucoma Institute of Austin agreed to treat Rangel earlier this year. The family did receive some devastating news, though, both 4-year-old daughter Elizabeth and 7-year-old son Juan Felipe have cataracts.
“It was very hard to decide whether to have my children operated on after I went through so many complications with my own surgeries,” Rangel says. “I was scared, but had faith in God.”
The two children had eye surgeries, which were covered by Medicaid, and are now doing well.
“I’m grateful for everyone’s generosity,” she says. “When we pray, we include all those people in our prayers.”

Look for other updates all week and meet a new round of Season for Caring families on Nov. 30. Share your stories of giving on Instagram and Twitter at #seasonforcaring.

— Nancy Flores

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